🛠 04 Projects¶
Hands-on projects that apply the notes to realistic scenarios — a mix of Cisco Packet Tracer labs and design/analysis work. Each project has its own folder with a full README (objective, scenario, step-by-step tasks, verification, deliverables, and stretch goals).
| # | Project | Type | Primary module(s) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | VLSM Network Design | Design + PT | 03, 08 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 02 | VLANs & Inter-VLAN Routing | Packet Tracer | 08, 01 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 03 | Static & Dynamic Routing (OSPF) | Packet Tracer | 12, 03 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 04 | DHCP, DNS & Web Services | Packet Tracer | 03, 04 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 05 | Secure Small-Business Network Design | Design + PT | 09, 10, 08 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 06 | Wireshark Traffic Analysis | Capture & analysis | 04, 03, 01 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 07 | Network Documentation Package | Documentation | 02 | ⭐⭐ |
| 08 | Structured Cabling Plan | Design + hands-on | 05, 02 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 09 | Wireless Network Design | Design + PT | 06, 08, 10 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 10 | Cloud & VPN Connectivity | Design + PT | 07, 04, 12 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 11 | High Availability, Monitoring & Recovery | PT + design | 11, 01 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 12 | Network Troubleshooting & Incident Response | Troubleshooting + report | 01, 03, 04, 11 | 4/5 |
| 13 | IPv6 Dual-Stack Migration | Design + PT | 03, 08, 12 | 4/5 |
🧭 Module Coverage¶
Every module (01–12) is exercised by at least one project:
| Module | Projects |
|---|---|
| 01 Introduction | 02, 06, 11, 12 |
| 02 Infrastructure & Documentation | 07, 08 |
| 03 Addressing | 01, 03, 04, 06, 12, 13 |
| 04 Network Protocols | 04, 06, 10, 12 |
| 05 Cabling | 08 |
| 06 Wireless | 09 |
| 07 Cloud & Remote Access | 10 |
| 08 Subnets & VLANs | 01, 02, 05, 09, 13 |
| 09 Risk Management | 05 |
| 10 Security in Network Design | 05, 09 |
| 11 Performance & Recovery | 11, 12 |
| 12 Wide Area Networks | 03, 10, 13 |
🧰 Tools¶
- Cisco Packet Tracer (free from Cisco Networking Academy) - projects 01-05, 09-13.
- Wireshark (free, wireshark.org) — project 06.
- draw.io / diagrams.net (free) — diagramming for projects 07–08.
- Real Cisco/other gear works too if you have a lab.
.pkt,.pka, and capture files are git-ignored — commit your READMEs, design docs, and reports; keep the binary lab files local.
🗺 Suggested Order¶
- 07 -> 08 - documentation and cabling (the physical/planning foundation).
- 01 -> 02 -> 04 - addressing, VLANs, and core services.
- 03 -> 10 -> 11 - routing, cloud/VPN, and high availability.
- 12 - troubleshoot realistic outages after you have built the basics.
- 09 -> 05 - wireless, then bring security together.
- 13 - add IPv6 after IPv4 subnetting, VLANs, and routing are comfortable.
- 06 - anytime, to see protocols on the wire.